Computer freezing: Hardware problem?

sapi · 06-20-2008, 09:54 PM

My computer (XP SP 2) randomly locks up. The mouse cursor hangs and the audio freezes, and the only thing I can do is restart the computer. I thought it was a software problem, so I reinstalled Windows. I just got the problem again, so now I am a little worried about my hardware.

A CPU error usually gives a BSOD after the computer locks up, and a video card error usually results in something like the monitors going blank. I got a new motherboard just a couple of months ago, and it's been very stable up until now. I've never had problems like this before with this computer.

Any ideas as to what is causing my problems?

dai · 06-21-2008, 01:02 AM

what
video card
cpu
m/board
ram
power supply
brand
wattage
are you running
any error message
check your tempretures and voltages in the bios and post them

in the device manager uninstall the card
reboot tapping f8 and choose vga mode
when windows finishes rebooting
disable a/virus
install your drivers
reboot the computer

sapi · 06-22-2008, 11:52 AM

I think I've narrowed the problem down to a faulty motherboard. It is giving a warped okay beep upon boot, which may stand for some element of the post failing but the computer continuing to boot. I have run an stable overclocked E6600 (2.4ghz -> 3.3ghz at 1.30v) but I guess instead of harming the cpu, the motherboard took the pain. My northbridge is hot to touch. I am going to see what a new motherboard will do for me.

dai · 06-22-2008, 08:47 PM

before racing out and buying a new m/b post the information requested
it's more likely a heat and or power problem

06-20-2008, 09:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
sapi Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12 OS: xp sp2	Computer freezing: Hardware problem? My computer (XP SP 2) randomly locks up. The mouse cursor hangs and the audio freezes, and the only thing I can do is restart the computer. I thought it was a software problem, so I reinstalled Windows. I just got the problem again, so now I am a little worried about my hardware. A CPU error usually gives a BSOD after the computer locks up, and a video card error usually results in something like the monitors going blank. I got a new motherboard just a couple of months ago, and it's been very stable up until now. I've never had problems like this before with this computer. Any ideas as to what is causing my problems?

06-21-2008, 01:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,494 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Computer freezing: Hardware problem? what video card cpu m/board ram power supply brand wattage are you running any error message check your tempretures and voltages in the bios and post them in the device manager uninstall the card reboot tapping f8 and choose vga mode when windows finishes rebooting disable a/virus install your drivers reboot the computer __________________

06-22-2008, 11:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
sapi Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12 OS: xp sp2	Re: Computer freezing: Hardware problem? I think I've narrowed the problem down to a faulty motherboard. It is giving a warped okay beep upon boot, which may stand for some element of the post failing but the computer continuing to boot. I have run an stable overclocked E6600 (2.4ghz -> 3.3ghz at 1.30v) but I guess instead of harming the cpu, the motherboard took the pain. My northbridge is hot to touch. I am going to see what a new motherboard will do for me.

06-22-2008, 08:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,494 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Computer freezing: Hardware problem? before racing out and buying a new m/b post the information requested it's more likely a heat and or power problem __________________